Check drug dependence by workers, firms urged

COMPANIES have been advised to evolve a policy to check dependence on drugs by workers in the discharge of their duties.

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Nightingale Mental Health Foundation, made the call at a mental health and addiction summit with the theme: “Addiction in the workplace, Legal issues and practical solutions”.

Speakers at the summit with the highlighted various practical issues of addiction and solutions saying that majority of the cases are consequences of unbearable terms and conditions attached to certain positions. They asserted that though most of the employees affected are those saddled with duties that require high level of strength for job execution; several management workers rely on drug to work exceptionally and effectively.

While presenting the topic: “Tackling Drug Abuse in the Workplace”, a retired NDLEA official, who doubles as an International Consultant, Drug Control and Prevention, Children and Youths Matters, Mrs. Grace Oyebola Adetula, said drug dependence goes beyond reliance on hard substances to enhance efficiency.

She added that there are several other unconventional substances, such as paw-paw leave and petrol, which are commonly abused.

Mrs. Adetula stated that the most significant effect of dependency in the workplace includes poor job performance, most especially in a manufacturing firm, reduction in productivity, absenteeism, hangover, dementia, family disintegration as well as several psychological effects, such as hallucination, lack of motivation and depression. All these, she argued, would lead to inconsistent work quality, carelessness, errors in judgment, low job returns and dismissal of victim(s).

A researcher with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Dr. Adebayo Ajala, who spoke on: “Social and Economic Implication of Addiction in the Workplace”, said addiction is any impulsive behaviour that reflects an individual’s desire/motivation to obtain high-salience outcomes like social dominance; high-energy nutrients; sex and so forth.

He said the mythical belief of addicts that when they consume more psychoactive substances, they become more productive, is the bane of drug abuse in the society and workplace.

Dr. Ajala said alcohol and drug use are ranked fifth and 19th respectively among the top 25 leading risk factors. “Addiction is excessiveness of everything. Addiction is a ladder that victims climb over time. Addiction stems from experimental use of substance, recreational and social use, situational use, harmful use, till it gets to the stage of dependence or abuse of substances,” said Dr Ajala.

On how to combat addictions in the workplace, Dr Ajala said employers need to make policy that defines a course of action to prevent, reduce or respond to alcohol, drug related harm in the workplace. “Workplaces should have drug testing programmes. Research has shown that there is 24 percent less drug usage in places with drug testing programme than where there is no drug testing.

“Education is the principal means of preventing drug abuse, hence employers should organise series of counselling and employee assistance programmes that should begin in the community and be directed at young persons (potential workers). I enjoined government to allow tax-based incentives for employers who develop workplace mental health plan and programmes for employees,” stated Dr Ajala.

Lastly, on the legal implications of workplace addiction, a Corporate Legal Adviser, Mrs. Solape Adesuyi highlighted three most significant issues that could lead employers into legal confrontations and extra cost if dependence on narcotic and psychotropic substances are not prevented. They are- vicarious liability, compensation for mental stress while on the job and dismissal.